DHS is rumored to have asked for hollow-point rounds, forbidden for war use by international law, as well as products specialized for snipers. The amount ordered was estimated by Forbes to be enough ammunition to sustain a hot war for more than 20 years in America.

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) introduced the Ammunition Management for More Obtainability Act (AMMO Act) in April, which would require the Government Accountability Office to investigate ammunition purchases by federal agencies, excluding the Department of Defense. Last month, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) introduced an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, compelling the DHS to report to Congress before entering into new contracts to purchase ammunition.

"Anyone who questions the effectiveness of tea party groups across the nation, I think this is one of the premier examples of how you are trying to make America a better place," Lance said to a tea party group Monday night according to NJ.com.